October 21

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NIV84) — 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

How have we forgotten this? Honestly! Prophecy is fun, exhilarating and a wonderful chance to partner with Almighty God! How great is our God?! How have we forgotten this exhortation?

1 Corinthians 14:39 (NIV84) — 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

I can only start a fire – which is by the Holy Spirit. You have to continue it. The culture cannot be changed by one man, although one man can begin the change. I am leading a change, creating an atmosphere, but you have to be a part of the culture shift. Leaving the fire to itself is saying that you want it to go out. In other words, not becoming a part of the shift, or in this case obedience to the Word of God, is the same as saying I don’t want it to happen. The Word is telling us to especially desire prophecy and to be eager to prophecy. That is the culture that we want at Hope OC.

When I was a child I remember when my mom would take me to Disneyland. We usually went every other year. In the days leading up to going, I would be so eager to be there. I wanted to ride the rides and experience all Disneyland had to offer. I was VERY desirous of Disneyland! Maybe you can relate to that, or maybe it was something else for you. Church, that “I want to go” or “I can’t wait to go” feeling inside of me (us) is so similar to what God wants us to have for the gift of prophecy. Ask Him for a Word – be eager to get one and then give it away! Partnering with God is like hitting the jackpot!